Amaranths
Botanical name: Amaranthus
Amaranths
Botanical name: Amaranthus
Description
Amaranths (Amaranthus) are a widely distributed and diverse group of flowering plants. Several species within this genus are important crops that have been cultivated by humans for millennia. The leaves, seeds, roots, and stems of various species are all eaten. Many amaranths are also cultivated ornamentally, as they are hardy, quick-growing, and produce large clusters or spikes of small but colorful flowers. Unfortunately, due to their hardiness and ability to colonize disturbed areas, several amaranths species have also become pesky invasives in places where they've been introduced.
Species of Amaranths
Red amaranth 'Velvet Curtains'
Red amaranth 'Velvet Curtains' is a stunning shrub with erect dark crimson, long-lasting plumes and dark red foliage. It is a cultivar of the Red amaranth and named for its drooping curtains of velvety catkins. Gardeners like this cultivar for its long-lasting flower spikes and its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Powell's amaranth
This is an erect annual herb growing to a maximum height near 2 m. It has leaves up to 9 cm long, those on the upper part of the plant lance-shaped and lower on the stem diamond or roughly oval in shape. The inflorescence holds several long, narrow clusters of both male and female flowers interspersed with spiny green bracts. The fruit is a smooth dehiscent capsule about 3 mm long containing shiny reddish black seeds.
Rough-fruit amaranth
Amaranthus tuberculatus, commonly known as roughfruit amaranth, rough-fruited water-hemp, or tall waterhemp, is a species of flowering plant. It is a summer annual broadleaf with a germination period that lasts several months. Tall waterhemp has been reported as a weed in 40 of 50 U.S. states.
Prince's-feather 'Green Thumb'
Prince's-feather 'Green Thumb' is a cultivar of Prince's-feather that is easily identifiable by its unique spikes of green flowers surrounded by dark green foliage that makes up the bushy plant. Gardeners enjoy the plant for its unique appearance and because it does well as a cut flower.
Joseph's-coat
Joseph's-coat is cultivated around the world both for its ornamental value and as an edible vegetable. Its name is a comparison of the plant's bright foliage to the dream coat of biblical mythology. Joseph's-coat leaves are eaten raw, steamed, or stir-fried in Asia and Africa.
Tumbleweed
Tumbleweed (Amaranthus albus) is a fast-growing annual plant species that is commonly found growing in fields, pastures and roadsides. During the winter, this plant's blossoms sometimes breaks off from the stem, dry out and are blown around in the wind. This is how it got its name, the tumbleweed.
Large-fruit amaranth
Large-fruit amaranth is a perennial plant with a short lifetime. It grows naturally in disturbed habitats, including rubbish tips, waste areas, and factories. When grown in nitrogen-rich soil, large-fruit amaranth can become toxic.
Prince's feather
Prince's feather (*Amaranthus hypochondriacus*) thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Evidence of its cultivation in Central America dates back roughly 6000 years. A red food coloring can be derived from prince's feather, and it can also be planted in patios and walkways to add more color to your place.
Redroot amaranth
While the redroot amaranth is considered a weed in most areas, some parts are edible. Fresh leaves may be included in soups and stews, while the dried leaves can be utilized in tea or ground into flour for bread or used as a thickening agent. Seeds can also be eaten, but the stalks, roots, and older leaves contain toxic substances. Redroot amaranth is sometimes used as fodder for livestock - it is nutritious in small amounts but toxic if too much is fed over a span of several days.
Palmer's amaranth
Palmer's amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) grows very fast and is invasive in many countries. It is also toxic to some livestock, so it's often classified as a noxious weed. Palmer's amaranth can also be turned into green or yellow dye.
Love-lies-bleeding 'Dreadlocks'
The cerise flowers of the love-lies-bleeding 'Dreadlocks' are brighter and showier than the flowers of the parent Love-lies-bleeding plant. You just need one look at this cultivar when it is in flower to see the resemblance between the long draping flower tassels and the popular dreadlock hairstyle. Its dramatic appearance makes it a great asset to summer gardens.
Love-lies-bleeding
The love-lies-bleeding is an annual plant that is grown as an ornamental and as a food source. It is notable for its long, hanging red or gold blossoms that resemble tassels or fox tails. The leaves and seeds are used to make flour and other foods. Traditionally, several parts of this plant were utilized as herbal medicine.
Green amaranth
Green amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus) is a tall flowering annual that can be found throughout the Americas and which has been introduced in Europe and Asia. It is adaptable to many soil types and is considered a weed in some places. Its seeds and young leaves are edible and considered quite nutritious.
Green amaranth
Green amaranth is an annual herb. In many countries, it is used as a boiled vegetable. The seeds can be eaten as a nutty snack. Green amaranth contains much protein with the essential amino acid, lysine, so it can be a option for vegetarians.
Purple amaranth
Purple amaranth (Amaranthus blitum) is an annual plant that often grows as a weed. It is not often cultivated, but some people around the world gather the leaves and stems to be eaten as boiled vegetables. It is particularly common in Greek and Lebanese kitchens.
Mat amaranth
Mat amaranth or Amaranthus blitoides is a common weed that was once used to make dyes and glue. Although it is said to be edible raw or cooked, mat amaranth can build up nitrates in its leaves if it is grown with inorganic fertilizers, consumption in large amounts may cause nitrate poisoning.
Spiny amaranth
Spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) is a plant species native to the lowland American tropics. However, spiny amaranth has spread invasively to tropical regions around the globe. This species is named for the sharp spines at each of its leaf nodes.
Tropical amaranth
Tropical amaranth is an exotic, tropical plant, hence the common name. Tropical amaranth flowers throughout summer and autumn, producing delicate, tiny red flowers. It can be found growing in North, South, and Southeast America.
Red amaranth
Red amaranth (*Amaranthus cruentus*) is grown wild not only for its beauty but also as a grain. It is prized for its crimson feather-like flowering plumes. The seeds of red amaranth can be cooked, popped overheat, or ground into flour. Like many types of Amaranthus cruentus, the leaves make a good substitute for spinach. Archaeological evidence suggests Aztec civilizations were already cultivating these plants as much as 6000 years ago.
Torrey's amaranthus
Torrey's amaranthus (Amaranthus torreyi) are a widely distributed and diverse group of flowering plants. Several species within this genus are important crops that have been cultivated by humans for millennia. The leaves, seeds, roots, and stems of various species are all eaten. Many torrey's amaranthus are also cultivated ornamentally, as they are hardy, quick-growing, and produce large clusters or spikes of small but colorful flowers. Unfortunately, due to their hardiness and ability to colonize disturbed areas, several torrey's amaranthus species have also become pesky invasives in places where they've been introduced.
Greenstripe
Greenstripe (Amaranthus acanthochiton) are a widely distributed and diverse group of flowering plants. Several species within this genus are important crops that have been cultivated by humans for millennia. The leaves, seeds, roots, and stems of various species are all eaten. Many greenstripe are also cultivated ornamentally, as they are hardy, quick-growing, and produce large clusters or spikes of small but colorful flowers. Unfortunately, due to their hardiness and ability to colonize disturbed areas, several greenstripe species have also become pesky invasives in places where they've been introduced.
Fringed amaranth
Fringed amaranth (Amaranthus fimbriatus) are a widely distributed and diverse group of flowering plants. Several species within this genus are important crops that have been cultivated by humans for millennia. The leaves, seeds, roots, and stems of various species are all eaten. Many fringed amaranth are also cultivated ornamentally, as they are hardy, quick-growing, and produce large clusters or spikes of small but colorful flowers. Unfortunately, due to their hardiness and ability to colonize disturbed areas, several fringed amaranth species have also become pesky invasives in places where they've been introduced.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Amaranth Genus
Amaranths 
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